Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BLESSING MUZARABANI could possibly be the busiest man in all of sport.
For the most part, the 29-year-old has spent the last couple of months in the gym and in the nets with the rest of the Zimbabwe Chevrons squad preparing for the Bangladesh visit.
The Asian team, already in the country, are set to tour Zimbabwe in a one-off Test, three One Day Internationals and three T20 matches tour.
The tour officially kicks off this weekend when the one-off Test, slated for June 28-July 3, begins with Muzarabani among those picked for the match, alongside the likes of senior statesmen Brendan Taylor, Graeme Cremer and skipper Richard Ngarava.
However, Muzarabani has his hands full both on and off the pitch.
The Zimbabwe Chevrons seamer was this week named as a brand ambassador for Olivine Industries during which Muzarabani is set to be one of the key faces of the Olivine Difference campaign.
“Olivine Industries is delighted to announce Zimbabwean cricket star Blessing Muzarabani as its new Brand Ambassador, marking the beginning of an exciting partnership between one of the country’s most loved brands and one of its most admired sportsmen, both with the vision of making Zimbabwe great again,” read a press statement from the company.
“For generations, Olivine has been part of Zimbabwean homes, sharing in everyday family moments around the table with a vision of creating an impact in the lives of Zimbabweans calling it The Olivine Difference.
“The company is proud to welcome Blessing into the Olivine family, a partnership built on shared values of hard work, integrity, resilience and a deep love for Zimbabwe.
“From humble beginnings to becoming one of the world’s most feared fast bowlers, Blessing’s journey has inspired countless Zimbabweans,” the company said.
The company’s executive director, Rudraksh Somani, added; “At Olivine, we believe the strongest partnerships are built on shared values. And as an organisation we want our vision of Olivine Difference to continue with our promise of making Zimbabwe great again.
“Blessing is not only an exceptional cricketer, but also a humble, hardworking Zimbabwean, who inspires people through his actions.
“We are thrilled to welcome him to the Olivine family and look forward in creating memorable moments together for consumers and sports lovers across the country,” said Somani.
As Brand Ambassador, Muzarabani will feature across Olivine’s marketing campaigns, community initiatives, guiding young budding sports talents and consumer activations, helping to celebrate the spirit, resilience and optimism that define Zimbabweans.
More importantly, the deal could be the starting point for more deals and partnerships between corporates and the sporting sector to build synergies.
At the moment, a vacuum currently exists between the two entities as most companies seem to be drawn towards the entertainment sectors due to their social media influence and following.
A survey by the paper noted how the socialites and entertainers dominate partnerships and ambassadorship, with the common denominator being the social media influence and reach.
Among them is Tyra Chikocho, better known as Madam Boss, who reigns as the queen of endorsements with over 43 brand partnerships since October 2025.
Among the more notable deal are partnerships with companies like Sona Prince Technologies/Starlink, O’mari, EcoCash, RwandAir and NetOne, Nyaradzo Group, Ingwebu Breweries, OrganiCare Africa.
Radio personality Kudzai Violet Gwara has deals and partnerships with the likes of Proton Bakers, Bellevue, West Property Zimbabwe, Chicken Slice, Koovha Beverages and Kuva Local, while her fellow contemporary Mitchel Mutongwizo has maximised her over 309 000 followers to attract deals with Fanta Africa.
In the music and entertainment sector, names like Ammara Brown, Tamy Moyo, Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa and musician Jah Prayzah are the most notable examples.
However, Muzarabani and Olivine Industries could very well have opened the doors for the sporting sector.
Zimbabwe athletics has been on the rise largely due to the exploits of sprinters Tapiwanashe Makarawu, Makanakaishe Charamba and, most recently, the country 4X400 relay team of Dennis Hove, Gerren Muwishi, Thandazani Ndhlovu, and Leeford Zuze
Makarawu and Charamba are two Olympians on the rise with both doing the nation proud at the recent World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan. The Zimbabwe Sables also qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup that will be held in Australia.
The team recently played South Africa A, their biggest match in recent years, and will be travelling to the United States of America this weekend for the World Rugby Nations Cup.
More companies can follow in the footsteps of Olivine Industries as there is value to be added and gained from such partnerships.
Commenting on becoming an ambassador for Olivine Industries, Muzarabani said; “Growing up, Olivine was a familiar name in our home, just as it is in so many homes across Zimbabwe.
“It is a privilege to now represent a brand that people know and trust.
“I’m excited about this journey and look forward to connecting with Zimbabweans in a new way and be a part of their vision of The Olivine Difference,” he said.
